Trump Wobbles on Tariffs: From Arrogance to Backpedaling in Less Than a Day
Donald Trump once again wears the dual hat of brash tycoon and calculating politician, but this time his U-turn on tariffs is so blatant it feels like a parody of his own character. Just hours earlier, he was boasting in a manner so crude it’s hard to believe it came from someone who aspires to global leadership, saying, “Countries are calling me, they want to kiss my ass,” and claiming they’re “dying to make deals.”
Then, suddenly, those same tariffs he had announced on April 2—just a week ago on what he called "Liberation Day"—he decided to suspend for 90 days. For everyone except China. A move that feels more like panic than strategy.
The man who was supposed to end wars instantly, reshape global trade, and relaunch America is, for now, racking up a string of embarrassments. What was meant to be a show of strength has turned into a spectacular retreat—right on the day the European Union, tired of being used as a punching bag for an arrogant and inconsistent trade policy, retaliated with $23 billion worth of tariffs.
Among the targeted sectors are also U.S. boats—a far from symbolic move in a multibillion-dollar market where yachts and pleasure craft are seen as high-end ambassadors of American manufacturing.
Trump chose a hardline approach but ended up isolated, with Europe defending its interests and the rest of the world more irritated than intimidated. At sea, boasting too much can cost you dearly—especially if you're sailing without a clear course. Now, his "America First" sounds more like "America Confused", and the selective suspension of tariffs risks further straining relations with the United States’ longstanding strategic partners.
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